by Lorraine Segal | Jul 18, 2022
Misunderstandings and assumptions about what another person means, or what the word they use means, can really fuel conflicts. I’ve written a lot about this in terms of intercultural miscommunications and bias, but it can happen when there are no obvious cultural...
by Lorraine Segal | Jun 17, 2022
I heard the term conflict transformation for the first time a few months ago, in a small committee meeting connected to my professional organization. I was completely captivated—I knew it was a better term for what I do and how I approach conflict than any I had heard...
by Lorraine Segal | May 16, 2022
Our shame stories can fuel conflict. Those of you who’ve been following my blog for a while, know that I often share about the concept of story and its influence on conflict. In my understanding, most of conflict is internal. The biggest part of our conflicts are...
by Lorraine Segal | Apr 18, 2022
Invisible rules can lead to conflict. Are you unconsciously expecting other people to automatically follow your invisible rules? If so, you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary conflicts. Several years ago, I read a book about forgiveness by Fred Luskin. He has...
by Lorraine Segal | Mar 14, 2022
Can podcasts teach us how to have better difficult conversations? Recently, I was a guest on Dr. Darian Parker’s podcast, as part of pre-publicity for my forthcoming memoir, and it turned out to be a magically flowing and amazing conversation about conflict,...
by Lorraine Segal | Feb 13, 2022
The problem of perfection in conflict…How does perfection hurt conflict management at work? “The challenge is not to be perfect; it is to be whole.”—Jane Fonda I read this quote by Jane Fonda recently, and I was struck with how applicable the contrast of...
by Lorraine Segal | Jan 16, 2022
When someone or something hurts or angers you, is there a value in venting? Some social scientists and conflict management experts think venting is counterproductive, entrenching anger and resentment. However, in my own experience, venting can be valuable as long as...
by Lorraine Segal | Dec 19, 2021
Are you naturally an interviewer or a volunteer in difficult conversations? I read an article recently by McKinley Valentine about conversational styles for first dates or networking. As I was reading, it struck me that her analysis and comments about volunteers and...
by Lorraine Segal | Nov 15, 2021
Before I start teaching a course or workshop about conflict management, I always tell my students that I have a modest goal for the class: to change their hearts, minds, and behaviors. We all laugh, because of course that isn’t really a modest goal; in fact, it’s a...
by Lorraine Segal | Oct 19, 2021
Conflict management lessons from improv theater Can the rules of improv theater help us with conflict? Marianne Fleischer is a speechwriter-presentations skills executive coach and trainer who has a passion for improv theater. I met her in a leadership group and she...
